University system reports enrollment gains, presses legislators for targeted funding for workforce, research and capital

Kevin Black, a member of the State Board of Higher Education, and Chancellor Mark Hager presented systemwide results and priorities to the House Appropriations Committee and said the system is focused on workforce, research and affordability.

Board member Kevin Black said the system’s strategic plan, Envision 2035, centers on workforce needs in energy, agriculture and health care, growing research capacity, and public‑private partnerships. “We need to find ways in higher education to make AI practical, understandable and applicable,” Black said, arguing the state should prepare graduates to use and support advanced technologies.

Chancellor Hager reported the system is seeing growth: enrollment and FTEs are at the highest levels in several years, graduation rates improved and FAFSA completion rose after state coordination with K–12 and campuses. Hager highlighted the system’s reputation for campus civility during national campus tensions: “In North Dakota, our campus is known for civility and kindness,” he told the committee.

Leaders described a lengthy list of budget requests and changes under consideration in…